Maze duo find way to the top

Customers might have no idea, but the owners of this maze know exactly where they are going.

Wayne and Sophy Wrangell have been at the helm at Tanawha’s Bellingham Maze since September 2002 and they are just about to hire six new staff and embark upon a three-stage expansion.

For Sophy, it’s a case of diversify or die, especially with the recent news of the impending closure of the nearby Superbee attraction.

“One time we had Superbee, the Deer Sanctuary and us all in the one spot. People would come out for a day and go to all three,” she said.

“Now the Deer Sanctuary is gone and we know Superbee is going ... we recognise we are a small family business and we have to have enough to offer people to make their trip worthwhile.”

But the full details of the expansion, even its predicted cost, will remain secret until a launch sometime in the next 12 to 18 months.

“It will definitely be extremely fun and something no one has seen on the Sunshine Coast before,” she said.

“It will involve the community and schools, and tourists will love it ... but I can’t tell you what it is.”

Since taking over five years ago, the Wrangells have already expanded the attraction, adding two new mini tile mazes in 2004, a tyre maze in 2005 and a rope maze last year.

Before Bellingham Maze, Sophy spent 12 years in shopping centre marketing in Brisbane, Gympie and on the Sunshine Coast, while husband Wayne was a radio DJ, disco operator and television presenter. “We both had the personalities for customer service and we had both worked in media. I had the business background, he had the fun covered, plus he’s a Mister Fix It.

“Because of my experience in shopping centres, I have recognised that there is life cycle that’s similar in business,” she said.

“It’s like looking at a graph with a line that goes up and down. Once it gets to maturity, if you don’t do something different, then you will go backwards.

“When you see sales figures starting to decline, do something new.”

The couple has a second business doing voiceovers and audio production from a purpose-built studio at the back of the house, on the maze property.

“I am about to write another business plan for the next five years and I think it’s important to have your eyes on the goal, like a soccer player on the field. You may not get there today or tomorrow, but you will get there,” she said.